Conveyor System Inspection
Need your Conveyor System inspected in line with PUWER98 regulations? Get a quote today to ensure you remain compliant.
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Conveyor System Inspection
Need your Conveyor System inspected in line with PUWER98 regulations? Get a quote today to ensure you remain compliant.
Conveyor Belt & Conveyor System Inspection
Conveyor Systems Within Industry
Conveyor systems are mechanical handling systems designed to move materials, products, or goods efficiently from one location to another within a facility. They come in many forms, including belt conveyors, roller conveyors, chain conveyors, screw conveyors, and overhead conveyors, each suited to different materials and applications. Conveyor systems reduce the need for manual handling, improve workflow, and increase productivity by providing a continuous and controlled method of transporting items across short or long distances.
In the warehousing and logistics industry, conveyor systems are widely used in distribution centres and fulfilment hubs to move packages, cartons, and pallets between receiving, storage, sorting, and dispatch areas. Automated conveyor systems are often integrated with barcode scanners and sorting technology to streamline order processing and reduce handling errors. This allows businesses to manage high volumes of goods quickly and efficiently, especially in e-commerce and parcel distribution operations.
Manufacturing and industrial environments also rely heavily on conveyor systems to support production lines and assembly processes. Conveyors move raw materials, components, and finished products between workstations, helping maintain consistent production flow and minimise downtime. Industries such as automotive, electronics, and food processing use conveyors to improve efficiency, ensure consistent product handling, and maintain hygiene standards, particularly where manual handling would be impractical or unsafe.
Conveyor systems are also widely used in mining, quarrying, agriculture, and bulk material handling industries. In these sectors, heavy-duty conveyors transport materials such as ore, coal, grain, and aggregates over long distances or through challenging environments. Across all industries, conveyor systems provide reliability, efficiency, and improved safety, making them a fundamental component of modern material handling and industrial operations.
What’s Covered During Your SEIS Work Equipment Inspection.
A PUWER (Provision And Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998)Â inspection of a conveyor system, is a legally required inspection carried out by a competent person to ensure the equipment is safe for continued use. Below is a break down of what is typically covered:
 General Condition and Installation
- Confirm the conveyor is securely installed, stable, and correctly aligned.
- Inspect the structure and frame for cracks, corrosion, distortion, or loose fixings.
- Verify guarding, handrails, and barriers are correctly fitted and in good condition.
- Ensure identification plates, manufacturer labels, and load ratings are visible and legible.
- Check surrounding work areas are free of obstructions, trip hazards, and excessive buildup of debris or material.
 Conveyor Belt Condition
- Inspect the belt surface for wear, cuts, fraying, or contamination.
- Check belt tension and tracking — the belt should run centrally without drift.
- Examine belt joints or fasteners for damage or looseness.
- Verify that belt speed is appropriate and stable during operation.
- Check belt alignment guides and rollers for wear and buildup of material.
 Rollers, Drums, and Pulleys
- Inspect head, tail, and snub pulleys for smooth rotation and secure mounting.
- Check idler rollers and return rollers for wear, noise, or seizure.
- Verify drum friction coating is intact and not excessively worn.
- Ensure bearings are properly lubricated, aligned, and free of vibration.
 Drive and Transmission System
- Inspect drive motors, couplings, and gearboxes for leaks, overheating, or abnormal noise.
- Check drive belts and chains for tension, alignment, and wear.
- Ensure drive guards are in place and securely fixed.
- Confirm motor mounts and fixings are tight and free from damage.
- Check lubrication and oil levels in gearboxes and bearing housings.
Electrical and Control Systems
- Inspect control panels, switches, and wiring for damage, exposure, or overheating.
- Verify start/stop buttons and emergency stop circuits operate correctly.
- Check interlocking systems on guards or access panels.
- Test directional controls (forward/reverse) for proper function.
- Confirm power isolation switch is accessible, clearly labeled, and locks off correctly.
- Ensure warning beacons, alarms, and indicator lights (if fitted) function properly.
 Safety Devices
Test all emergency stop devices:
- Pull cords along conveyor sides.
- Emergency stop push buttons.
- Trip wires or pressure-sensitive edges.
- Verify safety interlocks on covers or maintenance access points.
- Check guarding around nip points, rotating parts, and transfer points — no access to moving components during operation.
- Ensure anti-runback devices (on inclined conveyors) function correctly.
- Verify overload and overspeed protection systems are operational.
 Structural Supports and Framework
- Inspect supports, legs, and braces for deformation, corrosion, or instability.
- Verify anchor bolts are tight and undamaged.
- Check floor fixings and mounts for looseness or cracks.
- Confirm height adjustment mechanisms (if fitted) are secure and functional.
 Loading and Discharge Areas
- Check transfer points, chutes, and hoppers for blockages or excessive wear.
- Verify skirting rubber and impact rollers are intact and effective.
- Ensure guards and covers are present at loading and discharge zones.
- Confirm catch trays or spill guards are fitted to control material spillage.
 Operational Test
Run the conveyor at normal operating speed:
- Listen for abnormal noises or vibration.
- Observe smooth operation of belt and components.
- Test stopping time — ensure it stops safely within a reasonable distance.
- Confirm emergency stops and safety systems work during motion.
- Check for proper material flow and no overloading.
 Housekeeping and Environment
- Ensure lighting around the conveyor is adequate.
- Check access walkways and platforms are clear and fitted with handrails.
- Verify warning signage is in place (e.g., “Keep hands clear of moving parts”).
- Confirm no oil or debris accumulation that could cause slips or fire hazards.
 Documentation and Reporting
After the inspection, the competent person will issue a PUWER Plant Inspection Report. This must include:
- Date of the examination
- Details of the equipment inspected
- Findings, including any defects
- Recommendations or required actions
- Date of next examination due
- Statement on whether the equipment is safe to continue using
If any serious defects are found that pose immediate danger, they must be reported to the duty holder and the enforcing authority (e.g., HSE) immediately.
 Summary
An conveyor system inspection ensures that the work equipment are safe, compliant, and fit for use. It helps prevent accidents caused by structural damage, insecure fastening and fixings, or malfunctioning safety mechanisms. While it does not replace regular maintenance, PUWER and work equipment inspections are a crucial legal requirement for keeping your equipment safe and avoiding costly breakdowns or incidents.
Why Conveyor System Inspections Matter For You & Your Business.Â
Why PUWER98 Work Equipment Inspections Matter
Regular PUWER98 inspections are a legal requirement in the UK for all work equipment used at a place work, and for good reason. These inspections ensure that equipment, such as roller shutter doors, pallet trucks, storage racking, hand tools, power tools and industrial machinery are safe to use, and fit for purpose. The nature and use of work equipment means that equipment failure can lead to catastrophic consequences, including serious injury, fatalities, and significant damage to property. By carrying out regular, scheduled inspections by a competent person, businesses can identify wear and tear, structural damage, or faulty mechanisms before they result in an incident.
Pros of Getting a Thorough Examination in line with PUWER98
Legal Compliance and Risk Reduction: The most obvious advantage is staying compliant with health and safety law. Compliance avoids potential legal action, fines, or even prosecution. More importantly, it drastically reduces the risk of workplace accidents caused by lifting equipment failure.
Improved Safety Culture: Regular inspections foster a proactive safety culture within the organisation. Employees are more likely to trust equipment and feel safe in their work environment when they know thorough checks are in place.
 Extended Equipment Lifespan: Regularly maintained and inspected equipment typically lasts longer. Examinations can identify early signs of damage or fatigue, allowing for preventative maintenance that avoids costly replacements or repairs.
 Insurance and Liability Protection: Insurers may require evidence of PUWER compliance in the event of an incident. Without valid inspection records, insurance claims could be denied or reduced, leaving the business liable for damages.
 Operational Efficiency: Detecting potential issues before they lead to equipment failure helps prevent unscheduled downtime. This keeps operations running smoothly and avoids the knock-on effects of delayed projects or interrupted workflows.
Cons of Failing to Carry Out PUWER Work Equipment Inspections
 Legal and Financial Consequences: Failing to comply with PUWER can result in enforcement action from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), including improvement notices, prohibition notices, fines, or even prosecution. Legal battles and associated costs can be financially crippling.
 Increased Risk of Accidents: Equipment that hasn’t been inspected is far more likely to fail. Such failures can lead to injuries or fatalities, particularly in high-risk environments like construction or manufacturing. Beyond the human cost, the reputational damage to a business can be severe and long-lasting.
 Higher Repair and Replacement Costs: Neglecting inspections can allow minor issues to develop into major faults. These may require costly emergency repairs or complete equipment replacement, expenses that could have been avoided through routine examinations.
 Loss of Business and Clients: Clients often expect their contractors or suppliers to uphold strict safety standards. A failure to meet legal obligations like PUWER can result in lost contracts or blacklisting from future work, especially in regulated industries.
 Increased Insurance Premiums or Invalidated Coverage: As mentioned, insurers may increase premiums or deny coverage entirely if a business can't provide evidence of up-to-date PUWER compliance, placing a heavier financial burden on operations.
PUWER work equipment inspections aren’t just a box-ticking exercise - they are an essential component of a responsible, safety-first approach to using work equipment. The benefits of compliance are wide-ranging, from protecting human life to reducing costs and maintaining operational integrity. Conversely, the risks of neglecting these inspections can be devastating on multiple levels.
Unsure If Your Equipment Falls Under PUWER98 Regulations?
Below lists several example of work equipment which require regular maintenance and inspections under the PUWER98 regulations;
 Machine Tools
- Examples: Lathes, milling machines, grinders, pillar drills.
- Hazards: Moving parts, entanglement, ejection of materials.
 Power Presses
- Mechanical or hydraulic presses used for forming metal.
- Require specific inspection intervals and records under PUWER.
 Portable Electrical Equipment
- Examples: Drills, saws, grinders, extension leads.
- Require visual checks and PAT (Portable Appliance Testing).
 Hand-Operated Tools (Powered or Manual)
- Examples: Nail guns, impact wrenches, hammers, screwdrivers.
- Inspections check handles, guards, and integrity.
 Access Equipment
- Examples: Ladders, mobile towers, podium steps.
- Checked for damage, stability, and correct labeling.
 Conveyor Systems
- Used in production or packaging lines.
- Checks include guards, emergency stops, belt condition, and rollers.
 Construction Plant and Machinery
- Examples: Dumpers, cement mixers, plate compactors.
- Inspections cover structure, hydraulics, controls, and braking.
 Welding Equipment
- Arc, MIG, TIG, and gas welding sets.
- Checks: electrical integrity, hoses, regulators, flashback arrestors.
 Fixed Workshop Machinery
- Examples: Band saws, bench grinders, circular saws.
- Guarding, emergency stop buttons, and stability must be checked.
 Industrial Cleaning Equipment
- Floor scrubbers, vacuums, jet washers.
- Inspections for electrical safety, hoses, and mechanical parts.
 Roller Shutter Doors
- Manual or powered.
- Function, controls, structural integrity, inhibitor switches (if fitted) and stop buttons must be checked.
 Storage Racking
- Types: Pallet, Cantilever, Very Narrow Aisle etc
- Foundation fixings, securing fixings, locking pins, bracing members and cross-members, uprights and overall structural integrity must be checked.
Great experience working with Oliver on the PSSR for our compressors! The team was very professional, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. They made the entire process smooth and stress-free. We would definitely use them again.
We’ve been using Statutory Equipment Inspection Solutions Ltd for our inspection needs, and their service is unmatched by any competitor we’ve worked with. They are extremely professional, always quick to respond to messages, and consistently provide prompt, detailed reports to help us stay compliant with regulations. Highly reliable and a pleasure to work with — we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.
SEIS have delivered LOLER and PSSR Thorough Examinations for us across Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire with the utmost professionalism and the highest standards. With brilliant communication and a friendly, knowledgeable approach, we highly recommend their services.
Oliver at SEIS turned up on short notice to help us out after our current inspections provider let us down. He had our overhead cranes and fork trucks examined, and reports sent to us on the same day. Fantastic service.
The engineer surveyor SEIS sent was personable, and knowledgable. They was happy to work around our operational needs and examined our tailboard lifts with minimal disruption.
Thanks again!
Craig
Thanks again!
Craig